Every issue, from housing to healthcare to education, is a disability rights issue. Too often though, disability is an afterthought in our policies and politics, leaving the disabled community to bear the weight of constantly having to advocate for their basic needs to be met. 

In Congress, I would prioritize strengthening federal disability civil rights laws and regulations that eliminate barriers to access for people with disabilities, be it in housing, jobs, transportation, schools and more. As a legislator, I would ensure disability justice is at the root of each investment I fight to bring back to Chicago’s South and West sides, and the country at large. 

This includes ensuring that in fighting for Medicare for All, there is robust and significant federal funding to support caregivers and pay them a living wage. Home and community based supports and services are critical for many people with disabilities and elders. Yet the workers who are providing these services - home care workers, direct support professionals, peer-to-peer supporters - are often poorly paid and have few employment protections. Many caregivers are also immigrants facing the violent threats of ICE kidnappings and mass deportations. Protecting our caregiver workforce is a disability rights, immigrant rights, and economic justice issue. 

Additionally, as the Trump Administration recklessly dismantles the Department of Education, students with disabilities are suffering from the funding being slashed to disability supports and services in the classroom. This is unacceptable. I would fight to protect all students' access to the resources and support services they deserve, inside and outside the classroom, and would work to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.